2023 Volunteer
of the Year
Award Winners
Behind every life changed is someone who CARES
For their meaningful and selfless contributions, these volunteers were nominated and selected to be the recipients of 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Their caring is seen in every food box packaged for a hungry family, heard in the child’s laughter at the shelter playground, and felt on the hotline when a victim finds safety. They spread joy and build community at fundraising events and work tirelessly to support the Fayette Cares mission.
We’re so grateful that these volunteers and hundreds more open their hearts to protect families in crisis. Click on the images to learn about these special people.
A Profile of Caring .
Ring Container Technologies is a shining example of corporate philanthropy, and their support for Fayette Cares has left a lasting and positive impact on those served by the mission.
Ring’s commitment stems from their Ring of Responsibility, a pledge to foster a culture of empowerment and respect, extending beyond the confines of their own walls to embrace the communities in which they live and work, as well as the global community at large.
A testament to this commitment was seen when Fayette Cares found itself in need of a venue large enough to host its signature event, A Night of Southern Elegance. Ring Container Technologies stepped up, offering their expansive manufacturing warehouse as the event site. This generous gesture was no small gift, as the event plays a significant role in Fayette Cares’ annual fundraising efforts.
At the inaugural Fayette Cares gala hosted at Ring Container Technologies in 2010, Pamela Rose, Director of Treasury Services at the time and Project Manager Tim Goodrich wholeheartedly served as a liaisons and event planning committee members, investing months of meticulous preparation and tireless effort.
Pam recalls coming home exhausted after the gala, to find an empty refrigerator, a dirty house, and neglected pets. In that moment she was more grateful than ever to have a warm home, soft bed, and money to buy groceries; she knew right then and there that she wanted to continue supporting the Fayette Cares mission to help those struggling with poverty, violence, and despair.
The following business day, Pam approached Ring’s CFO at the time, Wayne Drake, advocating for the company’s continued involvement with Fayette Cares. Wayne and the rest of Ring’s leadership team, readily embraced the idea, solidifying Ring’s unwavering commitment to the cause.
Over the years, Wayne’s dedication expanded beyond corporate support as he became Chairman of the Fayette Cares board, and continuing his involvement today. even after retiring by bringing 100’s of lbs. of food each week to the Fayette Cares pantry and volunteering on a regular basis. Tim remains a strong supporter as both a continuing gala planning committee member, and leader of countless Fayette Cares service projects. Meanwhile, Pam transitioned from her role at Ring to become Fayette Cares’ Chief Financial and Operations Officer, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and effectiveness, and continuing to plan gala and other special event for Fayette Cares.
Over fourteen years later, that strong commitment continues today. As dedicated financial sponsors, they have contributed to various initiatives, from gala auctions to golf tournaments and 5k runs. Their sponsorship dollars, coupled with active participation in these events, have bolstered Fayette Cares’ fundraising endeavors, enabling them to continue providing life-changing services to those in need.
Moreover, Ring Container Technologies recognizes that their most valuable asset lies in their people. The team at Ring has seamlessly integrated into Fayette Cares’ volunteer family, offering their time, expertise, and creativity to numerous projects. Whether it’s serving on event leadership teams, organizing donation drives, or facilitating service projects, Ring employees consistently go above and beyond to make a difference.
One recent and notable example of their dedication was their pivotal role in relocating the shelter garden to address a massive erosion problem. Eric Charping, Vice President of Supply Chain, brought teams of volunteers, equipment, and supplies, to ensure the success of the project, showcasing their willingness to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty for a noble cause.
Globally headquartered in Oakland, TN, Ring Container Technologies is no stranger to honors, recently receiving a Platinum medal sustainability rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement impact performance ratings for global supply chains. The rating puts Ring among the top 1% of all companies assessed. Ring Container Technologies is a sister company of RAPAC, a leader in eco-friendly polystyrene resins and finished products and the largest recycler of polystyrene in the U.S.
As Fayette Cares reflects on Ring’s unwavering support, they are not only filled with gratitude but also inspired by their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community. It is with great honor and appreciation that Fayette Cares recognizes Ring Container Technologies as the recipient of the 2023 Leadership Excellence Award, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the betterment of society.
In a world where corporate philanthropy often takes a backseat to profit margins, Ring Container Technologies serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that businesses can thrive while simultaneously making a positive impact on the world around them. Their partnership with Fayette Cares exemplifies the transformative power of corporate giving.
A Profile of Caring .
You might recall that last year we faced staffing challenges, which led to the closure of our donation center and one of our thrift shops. It was a tough time, but as they say, when one door closes, another one opens. And boy, did God have a plan for us!
Thanks to the amazing support from our community, we seized the perfect opportunity to repurpose the space. We expanded our shelter and nearly tripled the size of our food pantry—talk about a win-win situation!
Now, with a shift in focus from furniture and houseware donations to clothing and apparel, we encountered a new challenge: sorting through the influx of donations. We didn’t have staff to process the contributions that were pouring in. But fear not, because here enters our superhero, Carolyn Cox!
Day after day, month after month, Carolyn almost single-handedly tackled mountains of donations with unwavering determination. Trust me when I say, this is no easy feat. Sorting through donations can be heavy and disheartening at times, especially when some items seem more suited for the landfill than our charity thrift shop.
But Carolyn never wavered. She persisted, and slowly but surely, other volunteers began to join her. Under her guidance, coordination, and infectious charm, our donation sorting team grew stronger. Carolyn has become the heart and soul of our operation, building a team that ensures families in need receive the clothing they require and keeps our thrift shop bustling with sales.
And here’s a fun fact: Carolyn’s dedication runs in the family! Her sister just happens to be none other than our CFOO, Pam Rose. Talk about a dynamic duo! The bond they share, strengthened through their mutual commitment to service and the occasional lunch date, is truly inspiring.
But the dedication doesn’t stop there. Pam’s sons, Bryan and Damien Rose, also lend their talents and expertise to support our agency on a daily basis. Bryan, like his aunt, is also an award-winning volunteer!
You may not have seen Carolyn sorting clothes behind the scenes, but chances are you’ve spotted her volunteering at our plant sale, gala, or Christmas toy distribution. For Carolyn, volunteering at Fayette Cares is not just about keeping busy in retirement; it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
So here’s to Carolyn! We are beyond grateful to have her as part of our team. Let’s celebrate our Behind the Scenes Award Winner, Carolyn Cox—truly a shining example of dedication and selflessness.
A Profile of Caring .
Among our unsung heroes stands Jane Mitchell, whose unwavering commitment to Fayette Cares we recognize.
Jane’s compassion is a deeply ingrained part of her identity. The volunteer award is not only a personal honor for Jane; it’s a tribute to her parents and grandparents, who taught her about caring.
See, Jane’s grandfather, father, and mother were kind of a Fayette Cares food pantry all of their own. Her grandfather had a large garden and never sold the vegetables. He only gave them away.
Some of the children who went to Hickory with school didn’t have milk and Jane‘s mom would take it to their families, making sure no child would go without.
Jane was raised in an environment where caring was not just a virtue but an essential way of life.
Her family’s example left an indelible mark on her heart, which is why she inspires others to support Fayette Cares and spread caring wherever they go.
It’s no surprise that one of Jane’s best volunteer experiences involved bringing her nine-year-old granddaughter to fill Christmas food boxes for Fayette Cares families. After that, they went shopping for a nine-year-old girl who they adopted from the Fayette Cares angel tree. Jane was showing another generation how to care, just like it was shown to her.
One of Jane’s most remarkable contributions is her enthusiasm for the mission. She is a tireless champion for Fayette Cares. Whether it’s organizing the annual pancake breakfast and spearheading clothing, food, and supply drives at Hickory Withe Presbyterian, or securing contributions from Farm Bureau Women, or arranging a Fayette Cares presentation to the Hickory Withe Community Association, or volunteering at the Christmas food and toy program and the Fayette Cares golf tournament … on, and on, and on goes her involvement.
Jane has donated and raised thousands and thousands of dollars to support the work, and she’s connected hundreds of people to help further the mission.
In honoring Jane Mitchell, we not only celebrate her contributions but also pay homage to a legacy of caring that spans generations and makes a more compassionate future for us all.
Let’s hear it for our Community Champion Award Winner, Jane Mitchell!
A Profile of Caring .
Theresa Graham’s involvement spans several efforts, from packing food at the Christmas Caring distribution to the annual plant sale where she works tirelessly feeding the volunteers and shoppers.
However, you’re most likely to see Theresa every week at the Fayette Cares thrift shop on the square. There she restocks inventory, creatively displays merchandise, helps customers with their purchases, and gives clients clothing for their families.
At the thrift shop sometimes there’s a customer to help, sometimes there’s a family in need, but ALWAYS there’s a smile or a hug from Theresa.
Aside from wanting to stay active and busy after she retired, she wanted a chance to be the hands and feet of Christ. It was an answered prayer that God led her to serve at Fayette Cares. Because for her, volunteering is not just about fulfilling a duty; it’s about spreading love and caring wherever she goes.
She’ll tell you that what she does is more than filling boxes of food, selling plants or clothing, it’s giving something back to the community; to those who have the greatest need.
It enriches her life knowing she’s helped feed the hungry, clothe the naked and welcome the stranger. And she’s particularly passionate about helping victims of domestic violence escape abuse.
But if you gave her a magic wand and she’d wish for a larger thrift shop, with an adjoining donation center to grow our agency’s reach and impact. Just putting it out there in case we have any “wish granters” out there!
Theresa’s joy and commitment to Fayette Cares serves as a shining example for us all.
It is a privilege to pay tribute to this remarkable individual, our Most Team Spirited Volunteer Award Winner, Theresa Graham!
A Profile of Caring .
John Charles Wilson, or “Bubba” as friends and family know him, is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need.
Known as the Agricultural Statesman of West Tennessee, John Charles Wilson is an Air Force veteran and former CEO of Agricenter International. At Fayette Cares he’s been an Honorary Co-Chair of A Night of Southern Elegance, and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
He is an adored servant-leader with raving fans wherever he goes. Likely because throughout his life he’s never seen privilege as a right, but rather a responsibility. If he HAS, then he feels responsible to help those who NEED.
But he doesn’t just see people in need, he sees FAMILY in need. He sees everyone in the community as part of a family. And we are. We are all family.
That personal connection drives him to support the Fayette Cares mission in so many ways. John Charles Wilson volunteers at the golf tournament, plant sale, Forks & Corks, awareness booths in community festivals, the 5k, Christmas food drives, the pancake breakfast, the annual homeless count, just to name a few of the Fayette Cares volunteer efforts with which he’s been involved. He is also a remarkable financial supporter and garners contributions from colleagues, friends, family, corporations, all to help FAMILY in need.
For these and many other meaningful contributions, John Charles Wilson was honored by Fayette Cares with the 2022 Leadership Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award.
A Profile of Caring .
Though Marlin was born and raised in Whitehaven and Cindy in mid Missouri, they were both at the University of Missouri in 1967. They walked the same halls and drove past each other’s homes, but they did not meet.
It took eHarmony to bring them together 40 years later and BOOM! They were married within the year.
Shortly after that they began building a home on Marlin’s gorgeous Fayette County farm.
They’ve share that the best time they had volunteering was when they hosted the first ever A Night of Southern Elegance, dinner and auction fundraiser for Fayette Cares.
Mind you, this generous couple was welcoming hundreds of guests to break in their newly built home. A home they hadn’t even moved in to.
It was just stunning to see the barn and arena transformed with hardwood floors, elegant chandeliers, tables with starched white cloths, a stage with a band, and a dance floor.
That year the power went out but the music, dancing, and fun just kept on going!
Cindy and Marlin made it possible to establish a significant fundraiser that’s been going on for more than a decade, at times raising nearly 1/4 of the agency’s annual budget.
Volunteering is something they do together with the common goal of making a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. Our FAMILY in need.
They both worked on restoring the Garden of Caring and the playground at the shelter. They’ve contributed natural beef from their cattle farm LMS Farms, to stock the pantry shelves and for the fundraising auction. They serve as liaisons for St. Philip Catholic Church, coordinating efforts like Christmas food and toy drives.
Cindy and Marlin have also become pillars of the monthly food distributions, where they gather and sort thousands of lbs. of high quality food, food that would have otherwise be thrown away. They help coordinate Fayette Cares volunteers and deliver food to low income, senior, and disabled, housing programs.
Snow, rain, heat, you name it, they’ve experienced it all, as they bring food to struggling families.
Cindy shared that it’s been a gift to see the smiles on the faces of people receiving fresh produce and nutritious food, or knowing that on any given day there could be someone enjoying a few precious moments of peace and rest in the garden.
She also shared that volunteering for Fayette Cares is important to them in part because of this scripture: Mathew 25:40 “In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of my brothers you did this unto me.”
This is their faith.
Join Fayette Cares in congratulating the Behind the Scenes Stars Volunteer Award winners, Marlin and Cindy Mosby!
A Profile of Caring .
For decades House of Faith has supported Fayette Cares.
As partners collaborating in effort to shelter the homeless and feed the hungry, our organizations work beautifully together.
The church has not only provided leadership on the Fayette Cares Board of Directors (both Pastor and Lady Wright have been board members), they rally the congregation to raise funds for the mission and have donated close to $20,000 to support the work.
A carpenter by trade (like Christ) Pastor Wright set out to build a stronger community. Among many projects they’ve undertaken, is the renovation of what was the Fred’s building in Somerville. It’s now a shining star called The Venue.
At The Venue last year, House of Faith generously hosted the big Fayette Cares gala – A Night of Southern Elegance. With their help it was a record breaking gala and the largest Fayette Cares fundraiser EVER!
Their generosity continues. They’ve welcomed Fayette Cares back this year for the gala on November 11, 2023!
The church knows that no single organization can fill all needs; do all the work. But when Fayette Cares partners with House of Faith, we can go the distance and create opportunities where they are desperately needed.
Pastor Connie Wright almost died of drug use. But then he gave his life to God and it was transformed.
He founded the church in 1987 with a congregation of less than 10 people. House of Faith Ministries now spreads the word to congregations in Fayette, Bolivar, Hardeman, and Crockett Counties.
The ministry inspires and encourages those who are down and out. The message is clear: It doesn’t matter where you start or where you are, God can radically change your life.
Please join us in thanking this amazing faith community for being God’s light to those in the darkness.
A Profile of Caring .
In the height of the pandemic shutdowns, Ila McDonald joined the ranks of the Fayette Cares COVID drive-through food distributions.
As a nurse, her task was to conduct the health screenings and man a first aid station.
But she’s not one to sit back and watch while other volunteers were lugging heavy boxes of food and hundreds of gallons of milk.
She jumped right in with a strength you couldn’t imagine in such a petite package. We later learned she’s an athlete whose 30& up women’s soccer team won a state championship!
With deep caring, she listened as families shared how much the food in the box was helping them during hard times.
It was clear to all that Ila is a servant-leader.
She joined the golf tournament leadership team and continued with the heavy lifting. She and her husband Barry are no strangers to tournaments; they’ve volunteered for the US Open and PGA of America Golf Championships.
She’s driven spiritually to help others and feels that by supporting the work of Fayette Cares she can serve families at their lowest point, helping them gain self-respect, break out of destructive cycles, and stand on their own.
Whether sorting donated wine for the gala, or distributing toys at Christmas, Ila enjoys the experience of bringing happiness to families in need, AND she loves laughing and joking with volunteers and supporters.
That happiness she feels is contagious and has validated to her that compassion is alive.
Ila is immensely deserving of the 2021 Leadership Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award!
A Profile of Caring .
This young student reached out to Fayette Cares looking for opportunities to fulfill community service volunteering requirements.
Garrett may have greeted you at Forks & Corks a few years ago, on his very first day as a Fayette Cares volunteer.
After his first volunteer experience, Garrett was all-in!
He jumped at the chance to join the leadership planning team, for the agency’s biggest event A Night of Southern Elegance. Then joined the leadership team for agency’s second biggest event, the golf tournament.
He is the youngest volunteer Fayette Cares has ever had on an event leadership team.
He’ll tell you that he really enjoys learning from and working with the talented and hard-working volunteers of Fayette Cares. And when it came to dealing with pandemic related challenges, he was right in the thick of brainstorming, adapting, pivoting, and overcoming the barrage of COVID curveballs.
Fayette County is Garrett’s home but he never realized how many rely on Fayette Cares for clothing, food, or shelter, until he got involved with the agency.
So whether he’s raising money for Fayette Cares through charity events, packaging food, or setting up for outreach efforts, he knows he’s making a difference in someone’s life.
If Garrett had a magic wand, he said his wish would be for the money to financially secure each and every family at Fayette Cares. Oh, and to send all of the hardworking volunteers on a well-deserved vacation to the Bahamas!
Garrett is attending the University of Memphis nursing school, so he is a future healthcare hero in addition to being the 2021 Fayette Cares Behind the Scenes Star, Volunteer of the Year Award winner.
A Profile of Caring .
For decades Gavin Van Nieuwenhuyze has supported nearly every effort Fayette Cares undertakes.
He’s been either setting up, tearing down, or working on event day for the gala, 5k, plant sale, golf tournament, Christmas food and toy giving and more.
Many times he’s the powerhouse that comes to the rescue when everyone around him is ready to collapse. Like the time he almost single handedly mopped an entire school gym at the end of a plant sale!
“Need a mannequin for the thrift shop? What do you think of this cool auction item I want to contribute? How about a massive donation of supplies?”
Gavin gets support from his employer, colleagues, neighbors, friends, and always gives generously on a personal level.
He sees the Fayette Cares mission as important to ALL of us. As meaningful to the clients receiving aid, as it is to those able to make the services possible. And he’s glad to be a part of helping others.
He and his wife Melinda, who is a past Fayette Cares volunteer award winner, have agreed if they ever won the lottery they’d want to buy the apartments next door to Fayette Cares and expand the shelter!
Gavin shared that when he volunteers for Fayette Cares he’s always surrounded by very good people.
Gavin is one of those good people. He was featured in a national publication after finding a purse with $2,400.00 cash and then returning it to its owner. He’s also received the City of Memphis citizenship award. He can now add another award to his trophy case as the winner of the Fayette Cares Community Champion, Volunteer of the Year Award.
A Profile of Caring .
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Fayette Cares mission to empower those in need with solutions to end homelessness, break the cycle of domestic violence, and create stability and self-sufficiency from crisis. Each year Fayette Cares holds a celebration to thank volunteers and present awards to those individuals who go above and beyond.
Over the years, nearly a dozen individual members of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church have earned awards.
But historically St. Philip as a congregation has been meaningfully involved in supporting Fayette Cares. In fact, Sister Mairead O’Reardon, a nun from St. Philip’s is credited with giving life to Fayette Cares.
In the 80’s, when Fayette was the poorest County in the Nation, she came to serve the poor. In a dirt floor barn on a rural Tennessee highway she united people of all races, religions, and backgrounds, to create Fayette Cares. It wasn’t just good work she was doing, it was God’s work.
But to be clear, she and other founders insisted that Fayette Cares would be inclusive; not run by any one church, but enriched by all.
Sadly, Sr. M Mairead, passed away in 2020. She may not have imagined that Fayette Cares would continue for over 35 years, would be recognized with awards, and be designated an essential service during a global pandemic.
Her legacy lives on through the enduring love of hundreds of St. Philip Church members, who have continued to support the Fayette Cares mission.
Over the years St. Philip’s has helped paint, plant, and furnish the homeless shelter. They’ve revitalized the thrift shop, then years later moved retail efforts to the square, and helped with renovations to add more shelter units.
On behalf of Fayette Cares, several times a month they pick up, sort, and deliver groceries to needy families in senior, disabled, and low income housing throughout Fayette County.
Whether it’s providing volunteers to serve as waiters at a gala for 500, or helping with every aspect of the 5k, Golf Tournament, Plant Sale, and Christmas Caring, the members of St. Philip never cease to amaze with their caring.
They even partner with Master Gardeners to grow and manage inventory for the plant sale, and established a vegetable garden at the church to provide produce to the emergency food pantry.
In addition to being volunteers, they are auction donors and event guests, they contribute products and services – they support the mission on every level.
Their caring is seen in every food box packaged for a hungry family, it’s heard in the child’s laughter at the shelter playground, and it’s felt on the hotline when a victim finds safety.
The church takes part as a team, bearing witness to God’s love – and having a blast in the process.
In order to recognize the past and present members of this caring church, Fayette Cares has presented a Volunteer of the Year Award to St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Congratulations for their shining example of faith in action!
A Profile of Caring .
For decades Fayette Co. Master Gardeners have been a cornerstone of the Fayette Cares plant sale, an important fundraiser to support the charitable works. To prepare for the sale they donate from personal gardens, some starting plants indoors over the winter and nurturing them for months before donating them to Fayette Cares. They work tirelessly to organize, label, and price thousands upon thousands of plants. Then at the sale they lend their knowledge and passion to educate shoppers. There’s just no garden center that offers this level of caring!
Fayette Co. Master Gardeners have also adopted the Fayette Cares homeless shelter flower beds, keeping them beautifully filled with lilies, pansies, and purple queen plants (purple being the domestic violence awareness color). Because of these wonderful gardeners, families walk up to the shelter and immediately feel loved and cared for on the breathtaking grounds.
In 2021 Fayette Co. Master Gardeners joined St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church and Somerville Rotary Club to restore the Garden of Caring at the shelter. They helped design, raise money, and transform the space. The garden now has raised metal beds, fresh soil, new ground cover, a bird bath, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. It gives adults a peaceful place to connect with nature and children a way to enjoy learning how food is grown. It’s a joy to see kids filling toy trucks with cucumbers, tomatoes and blueberries and a gift to families needing refuge from violence and despair.
In the winter months there isn’t much gardening to do, so instead they volunteer in large numbers at the annual Fayette Cares Christmas food distribution, packing and distributing food for hundreds of families in need.
Because they help caring grow and fill our community with love, Fayette Cares is proud to celebrate Fayette Co. Master Gardeners by presenting them with a Volunteer of the Year Award.
A Profile of Caring .
Fayette Cares was fortunate that Air Force retiree, Julia Stephens was among the first volunteers to complete hotline training for the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP). The 24-hour shifts require her to be ready at a moment’s notice, and to work with police on high-danger domestic violence calls. She never takes this responsibility lightly, going above and beyond to help victims.
On the other end of the line, it’s incredibly difficult to hear that an abuser beat and choked his wife, then held their toddler at gunpoint. But with a laser focus on safety, Julia calmly and compassionately helps victims and their children escape violence and heal from abuse.
She remembers 40 years ago, a time with no cell phones or internet; a time when she suffered domestic violence and didn’t have the benefit of programs like Fayette Cares.
As a LAP volunteer Julia found a deeply meaningful role among others who truly want to make a difference. “Volunteering for Fayette Cares is important to me because I can play a small role in changing the mindset of some people,” says Julia, “I enjoy the guidance and continuing education, the comradery with fellow volunteers, the partnerships with Law Enforcement, and tremendous satisfaction in knowing that I have helped a person who needed someone to listen, someone who cares about their safety and wellbeing, and someone who offers them services that they might not be aware exist.”
“The most memorable times I have had as a volunteer with Fayette Cares is when the LAP volunteers and the victims of domestic violence had the opportunity to get together. This involved crafting, working on projects and breaking bread together. I believe during those times, the victims get some relief from the stress in life and it gives them a chance to be themselves. Seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing the laughter is priceless.”
The Fayette Cares mission aligns with Julia’s desire to give back to the community and to help those in need. “Public awareness regarding domestic violence is minimal. It is a topic that makes people uncomfortable to talk about. Being a volunteer gives me the opportunity to talk with family, friends and others, who are willing to listen, about Fayette Cares, the LAP program, and my role as a volunteer.” When asked if she would encourage others to become LAP volunteers, Julia responds “Absolutely! Being a LAP volunteer is very rewarding!”
“If I had a magic wand my wish would be that the programs and services Fayette Cares offer would receive more funding and recognition in order to expand and reach everyone in the community. I would also wish that Fayette Cares had the funds for advertising public awareness via radio and/or television.”
Help grant Julia’s wish by supporting the work as a volunteer or donor. To learn more contact Alexandra Porto at (901) 465-3802 x 221.
A Profile of Caring .
When Steve moved to Oakland he joined St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, which connected him to Fayette Cares. He offered his help and quickly became among the most dependable volunteers we could ever hope for.
Steve, often with his side-kick Derrick, can be found setting up for events late into the night only to return bright and early the next day to help with event day tasks and/or tear down and clean up. He can be counted on to make impromptu trips to pick up and deliver food, supplies, or donations, at a moment’s notice. This year he even joined the annual homeless count to gather critical data for the future of services.
“My favorite activity is the food distribution,” says Steve. With the pandemic causing many to work fewer hours, be laid off, and lose jobs, the struggle to put food on the table brought hundreds to Fayette Cares. Those most vulnerable, like elderly, disabled, and low-income families in self-quarantine, were often unable to get food for fear of contact with the virus. Unfortunately many volunteers were also vulnerable and had to reduce their in-person involvement. Knowing this, Steve decided to lean into his volunteer efforts to bridge the gap. At the height of the shutdowns, when Fayette Cares facilitated drive thru grocery pickups, Steve could be found distributing thousands of gallons of milk, and mountains of produce.
Today he continues with home deliveries of groceries providing food to struggling families. “It is comforting to know that Fayette Cares is here to rescue people who have fallen through the cracks of society.”
As a retired Fire Captain, Steve is no stranger to serving those in crisis, “I have always enjoyed helping people,” says Steve, “Fayette Cares has allowed me to continue in the fulfilling feeling of assisting others. Being retired means a good amount of free time. Fayette Cares has helped me by providing a rewarding means of finding a valuable way to spend that time.”
Interestingly, Steve participates in a Hi-Tech treasure hunt activity called geocaching and has located geocaches in 50 different countries and 47 States. He’s also the proud owner of the world’s oldest Golden Retriever.
A Profile of Caring .
Dr. Casie Keaton of Thrive Hearing & Tinnitus Solutions is a practicing audiologist who is an author in an Ear, Nose, and Throat textbook, Landmark Papers in Otolaryngology, published by Oxford University Press, and a Professor at the University of Memphis teaching tinnitus to the Doctor of Audiology students.
It’s hard to believe that she still makes time to volunteer for Fayette Cares. She wants to make sure that our community has access to critical resources for families during their worst moments, that families in need know they are not alone, and that our community shows caring. “No one should feel that they must remain in an abusive situation because they have no other option,” says Dr. Keaton, “not only is there help to remove themselves and their children from a dangerous place, but there is also support to help create stability as they take the brave steps to leave their current situation.”
Dr. Keaton also wants to set an example for her daughter. “The opportunity and ability to help someone else is a privilege and gift in itself,” says Dr. Keaton, “there’s always joy in giving and I want her to always know what that is.”
Dr. Keaton believes that volunteering for Fayette Cares enriches her life. “I have had such great experiences during my time volunteering with Fayette Cares,” says Dr. Keaton “the plant sale would probably be my favorite, as I always learn something new! I’ve enjoyed getting to know the people as they make their purchases. I love hearing what it means for them to give to Fayette Cares and grow something of their own in return. As well as those that have received a gift of a plant from someone and knew that their gift also helped someone in need. It’s giving full circle and something I’ve been proud to be a part of.”
Not only does Dr. Keaton volunteer at in-person and virtual events (like Facebook live sales at Kindred Spirit Style benefiting Fayette Cares), she enlists support from sponsors and donors, and even hosts fundraisers like the free COVID-compliant drive up hearing screenings. With every screening she made a contribution, ultimately making a significant gift to the agency.
“This year in particular, where we have been more isolated from each other, Fayette Cares has offered an opportunity to connect with our community and continue to help and do good for one another. During what has been such a difficult year for many of us, I have so enjoyed the connection and outreach Fayette Cares has brought to my life. Some of the most rewarding experiences of my life have been this year, and a result of the opportunity to work with Fayette Cares.”
A Profile of Caring .
While attending evening law school Paul worked in an innovative new program as a Victim Advocate for several years in Boston, Massachusetts. As a practicing attorney, he uses this experience to partner with Fayette Cares by providing legal aid to victims of domestic violence in need of Orders of Protection.
He values the goal of achieving self-sufficiency and independence for clients, and supports agency efforts to fund the mission.
Volunteering for Fayette Cares is so important to him that you’ll find Paul working behind the scenes at every fundraising event. “I want to help make all efforts successful by doing whatever task is necessary at the time,” says Paul. He knows that every volunteer effort helps people in need.
Full disclosure, his wife Marilyn is a Fundraising Consultant for Fayette Cares, so he’ll tell you another important part of volunteering for Fayette Cares is, “keeping my wife happy.”
Over the course of 12 years Paul has likely driven thousands of miles, had countless sleepless nights, and contributed more backbreaking volunteer hours than we can even fathom. He’s the guy who responds at a moment’s notice during crunch time to save the day.
But it’s not all grueling. Paul really enjoys the camaraderie and friendships that have developed over the years. At get-togethers with other volunteers he shares laughs and swaps war stories, knowing everyone got through another successful event, together.
Many of the event challenges Paul has helped to overcome are associated with the absence of a facility large enough to hold the annual gala and other efforts. If Paul had a magic wand he would conjure up an event venue in Fayette County large enough for our 500+ guest charity dinner and auction A Night of Southern Elegance!
A Profile of Caring .
As a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church Knights of Columbus, David is part of a group of volunteers who help with just about everything. He’s been a key helper for fundraising events, food distributions, annual homeless counts, donation pickups, and more. “Fayette Cares keeps me moving and gives me a sense of purpose by being able to help others in our community,” says David.
He’ll tell you his best volunteer experience is with the hunger relief efforts. Several times a month he picks up, sorts, and delivers groceries to needy families in senior, disabled, and low income housing complexes throughout Fayette County. “The smile you see on each person’s face at their door is heartwarming and proof that Fayette Cares REALLY CARES.”
Quick-witted and playful, David enthusiastically shares stories of the agency history, struggles, and joys. And there’s not much he won’t do to help, “I’ve taken a two day scenic tour of Fayette County,” he says of the 300+ miles he drives each year to record data on homelessness, “and painted a 100’ x 100’ floor with a mop and 50 gallon drum of paint.”
His energy is seemingly endless, a nod to being a competitive tennis player in college and in the military. He is twice retired serving 22 years in the US Air Force and 22 years with ExxonMobil.
David values the work of Fayette Cares, particularly programs that provide housing, food, safety for victims, and empowerment training that leads to stability. To support the mission, he is a remarkably generous donor contributing his time, talent, and treasure, but also earning a charitable gift for Fayette Cares from ExxonMobil for his volunteer involvement. “I’d like there to be more funding for services and facilities.”
